The present study was aimed at the formulation and evaluation of a polyherbal hair serum containing aqueous extracts of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and Phyllanthus emblica for the management of common hair and scalp problems. Herbal formulations are widely preferred in cosmetic applications due to their safety, biocompatibility, and reduced side effects compared to synthetic products. In this study, aqueous extracts of hibiscus petals and amla fruits were prepared and subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening, which confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, phenolic compounds, carbohydrates, and ascorbic acid. The polyherbal hair serum was formulated using xanthan gum as a viscosity enhancer along with propylene glycol, glycerin, Tween 20, sodium benzoate, and lavender oil. The prepared formulation was evaluated for physicochemical parameters including appearance, pH, viscosity, spreadability, texture, and consistency. The optimized formulation exhibited satisfactory properties with a pH suitable for scalp application, good viscosity, smooth texture, and excellent spreadability. Antifungal activity of the serum was evaluated against Candida albicans using the agar well diffusion method, which showed an average zone of inhibition of 11.5 mm, indicating significant antifungal potential. Stability observations demonstrated no significant changes in the formulation during the study period. The findings suggest that the developed polyherbal hair serum can serve as a promising natural formulation for improving hair health, reducing dandruff, and promoting scalp nourishment.
Bansode et al. (2026) studied this question.